Escape 19' options, towing implications - Escape Trailer Owners Community
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×

Go Back   Escape Trailer Owners Community > Escape Tech > Towing and Hitching
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 08-14-2020, 03:09 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Lawrence, Kansas
Trailer: 19 Escape, arrived March 2021
Posts: 123
Escape 19' options, towing implications

We are considering a 19" Escape. Other than the rooftop A/C and the outside shower, I doubt we're interested in too many options.

I'm curious what common options people choose that causes an increase in weight and subsequent towing implications.

My TV is a Honda Ridgeline. I've recently driven the Ridgeline, pulling a 17' Casita to California and the combo worked great. The 19" Escape is clearly more of a load.
thunderworks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2020, 03:14 PM   #2
Site Team
 
John in Santa Cruz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Mid Left Coast, California
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21
Posts: 5,104
not specific to the 19 (we have a 21), but for sure we love having rooftop solar, dual 6V battery, the OVEN gets far more use than the microwave which I could do just fine without. ALL the extra lights inside. We use the manual awning a LOT.
John in Santa Cruz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2020, 03:41 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Iowa Dave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Benton County, Iowa
Trailer: 2013 Escape 21 Classic Number 6, pulled by 2018 Toyota Highlander
Posts: 8,217
Best of luck on ordering your new trailer. I will and have hijacked many threads so no one is exempt but I’m nice about it. I realize cost is a factor but here goes.

Things we have that we really like
Manual Awing
Dual 6 v batteries and solar
Front box
Air conditioning
Surge Protector
Two way hot water Heater
Power vent in bathroom
Weight distributing hitch

Things we have that are “nice “ but not necessary (we bought both Escapes used)
Chrome wheels
Lots of lights
Tv mount and TV
Microwave ( you can get one later)
TV antenna (Winegaurd) we rarely watch TV
Awning lights

I would like to have a light over the front box
I enjoy the porch light on both sides of the trailer
I would like an outside shower on the driver side.
Don’t have an oven and glad we did not get one.
We use a convection toaster oven. Lots of times outside.
Now that’s just us. I forgot stuff I know.

As Donna says
“YMMV your milage may vary “
Best wishes
Iowa “Derecho” Dave
__________________
Ain’t no trouble jacking a double Burma Shave
Dave
Iowa Dave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2020, 03:42 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Centex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: East of Austin, Texas
Trailer: 2021 Escape 5.0 / 2022 F150 SuperCab
Posts: 2,849
IMO the AC and full-solar options (including dual 6v batteries) are the options that add the most weight; the optional front box is a bit of weight, too, and of course 'encourages' placing more weight close to the ball; the 3-burner+oven stove is a lot heavier than the standard cooktop; other items are generally 'insignificant' each in themselves but do add-up. Note that the larger reefer option is only a very few pounds more than the smaller standard reefer, probably less of a 'penalty' than you would think.

FWIW when I studied the E19 build sheets on the ETI Inventory page, most which are generously loaded with options including AC, full solar, bigger stove and reefer, and much more, the listed "Shipping Weights" ran ~500~600# more than the listed "Trailer Dry Weight (Base)" of 3150#.

Don't forget, too, that the frontal-area of the Escape19, as 'compact' as it is, is more than our 17' Casitas .... I suspect noticeably more at highway speed when frontal-area becomes a significant factor in terms of wind-drag.

Personally, as a 2019 Ridgeline RTL-E and Casita 17' owner myself, I think the Escape 19 is probably still a good match for the vehicle. I do think that it's likely to be 'more felt' than the Casita, and personally I'd install a WDH from the get-go with the Escape 19 on the Ridgeline. I'd tow that combo in a heartbeat, was planning on doing so until I got seduced to the notion of the 5.0TA (I have an F150 for that duty )

IMO the only 'towing implication' of any of this is mileage and throttle-response. I'm convinced by the many satisfied Escape owner reports here that all of the Escape lineup are inherently 'good towing trailers' and will offer the same smooth-tracking, towing confidence, and driver relaxation that I've enjoyed for years with my 'good towing' Casita (as long as prudent practice re: tongue-weight bias is observed, and there's no reason to expect that to be difficult).

(I love my Ridgeline! )

Happy shopping, happy trailering!
__________________
Alan E.
2021 Escape 5.0 / 2022 F150 Lariat SuperCab 6.5' box / Centex's 2021 5.0 Modifications
Centex is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2020, 03:51 PM   #5
Site Team
 
John in Santa Cruz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Mid Left Coast, California
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21
Posts: 5,104
is the maxxfan deluxe an option? if so, I would put that in the 'must have' category, its used more than our AC since we're dry camping more than we have hookups.

and yeah, forgot the frontbox. our casita had no significant outside storage, and that was a real pain, the front box on our E'21 stores all the chocks and leveling blocks, tools for the water heater anode, the ball scissors levelers, stuff like that, dumpstation water hose, gloves for dump station duty, hammers, stakes, stake puller, a small rake, etc.
John in Santa Cruz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2020, 03:56 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
Doug2000's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: London, Ontario
Trailer: 2020 Escape 19
Posts: 1,117
We bought a new 19 and were also concerned with price and weight. I wasn't to interested in many of the options. I try to camp with services. I can't sleep without AC if it's to hot out. Here's our slim build sheet.

AC
Kitchen Window
Bathroom Window
Outdoor Shower
4 Captains Lights
Propane hookup
Cabinet Door on the end of the dinette bench
The front storage box

On my own,
Swap one captains light for a Maradyne 12v fan
600 watt inverter
4-40 portable solar panels

A note about the outdoor shower. We use it all the time but never for showering. We use it to rinse dishes, feet, dogs, its really handy. Comes with a garden hose sprayer.

You'll enjoy the Escape. Ours was an upgrade from the Escape 17B. The mattress is the best I have seen in a travel trailer in this price range.

I do wish I had added a couple more USB outlets.
__________________
Had 2 Escapes, 17b, 19, went back to a pop up that fit in the garage. 2018 Coachman Clipper RBST HW AFrame
Doug2000 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2020, 05:13 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Southwick, Massachusetts
Trailer: None, sold my 2014 5.0TA
Posts: 7,124
Merged posts from Tow Vehicle for Escape 19 to this thread.
__________________
Happy Motoring
Bob
padlin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2020, 06:45 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: North of Danbury, Wisconsin
Trailer: 2018 Escape 21C
Posts: 3,033
Why buy a trailer without the options you really want , so you can tow it with a vehicle you don’t like , will probably dump in the next couple years and maybe gets better fuel mileage ?
steve dunham is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2020, 07:08 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
Doug2000's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: London, Ontario
Trailer: 2020 Escape 19
Posts: 1,117
Quote:
Originally Posted by steve dunham View Post
Why buy a trailer without the options you really want , so you can tow it with a vehicle you don’t like , will probably dump in the next couple years and maybe gets better fuel mileage ?
I really want a Cummins.
__________________
Had 2 Escapes, 17b, 19, went back to a pop up that fit in the garage. 2018 Coachman Clipper RBST HW AFrame
Doug2000 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2020, 07:12 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: North of Danbury, Wisconsin
Trailer: 2018 Escape 21C
Posts: 3,033
Quote:
Originally Posted by Doug2000 View Post
I really want a Cummins.
So do I , hopefully the new Escape 23 will give me a good reason
steve dunham is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2020, 09:30 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SLO County, California
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21C 2019 Expedition
Posts: 5,207
Quote:
Originally Posted by steve dunham View Post
Why buy a trailer without the options you really want , so you can tow it with a vehicle you don’t like , will probably dump in the next couple years and maybe gets better fuel mileage ?
Especially when Escape is one of the few, if not only mfg that will let you customize so much. Started going down that road: not only no AC( which we didn't want and still don't miss 6 years later) but also ordered single pane windows to save another 100 lbs. And single 12V with our solar( which they don't allow anymore wisely). Did this to feel better about towing in Mountain West with a 2013 Highlander. Fortunately decided to go Full Size and was told half our single pane were on backorder a week before Orientation! Had them R&R with dual pane!
__________________
"We gotta get as far away as we can!"
- Russell Casse, Independence Day
Rossue is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2020, 09:42 AM   #12
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Ladysmith, British Columbia
Trailer: 2017 Escape 19
Posts: 216
Here are some items I would consider options even if adding some weight.

Front box with 2x 6V. Along with plus for storage and battery capacity it will be better for balancing load with sufficient tongue weight.

Thermal windows

Wired for solar and go for 190W rooftop to start.

Raised dinette to elevate seating for window view.

Manual awning for adjusting angle in rain and added support.

Passenger dinette bench interior and exterior cupboard door and hatch.

Drawer below hanging locker.

Lagun table mount.

Toilet foot flush and shutoff.

Hate the air conditioners and Max fan works great. May be a necessity if in hot south. Get Escape to wire for future since there are advancements that do come along.

Most options can be added by you later but I think Escape prices more than fair so get it now if you can.
ChuckBC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2020, 10:37 AM   #13
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Lawrence, Kansas
Trailer: 19 Escape, arrived March 2021
Posts: 123
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChuckBC View Post
Here are some items I would consider options even if adding some weight.

Front box with 2x 6V. Along with plus for storage and battery capacity it will be better for balancing load with sufficient tongue weight.

Thermal windows

Wired for solar and go for 190W rooftop to start.

Raised dinette to elevate seating for window view.

Manual awning for adjusting angle in rain and added support.

Passenger dinette bench interior and exterior cupboard door and hatch.

Drawer below hanging locker.

Lagun table mount.

Toilet foot flush and shutoff.

Hate the air conditioners and Max fan works great. May be a necessity if in hot south. Get Escape to wire for future since there are advancements that do come along.

Most options can be added by you later but I think Escape prices more than fair so get it now if you can.
Excellent feedback. Thank you.

R.
thunderworks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2020, 12:12 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Southwick, Massachusetts
Trailer: None, sold my 2014 5.0TA
Posts: 7,124
I believe all the trailers are now wired for A/C.
__________________
Happy Motoring
Bob
padlin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2020, 01:34 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
TTMartin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Venice, Florida
Trailer: 2020 Escape 19
Posts: 1,265
Quote:
Originally Posted by thunderworks View Post
We are considering a 19" Escape. Other than the rooftop A/C and the outside shower, I doubt we're interested in too many options.

I'm curious what common options people choose that causes an increase in weight and subsequent towing implications.

My TV is a Honda Ridgeline. I've recently driven the Ridgeline, pulling a 17' Casita to California and the combo worked great. The 19" Escape is clearly more of a load.
Here's the final version of my build sheet

Maple wood, Mill Creek Axle #4182 flooring, Silver Shalestone #9307-58 Formica with Black trim, Chinchilla Ultra Leather #6009 fabric, Battleship Gray #870 graphics.

Fridge (6 Cubic Foot)
Foot Flush Toilet
Toilet Shut Off Valve
Exterior Shower Passenger Side
Dual 6V Batteries Escape Supplied
190W Solar Panel with Charge Controller
Surge Protector
Removable Power Cord
Air Conditioner with Digital Thermostat (Dometic 11,000 BTU)
Keyless Door Lock
TV/Cable Ready with 120V Outlet
Window in Bathroom (Opening, Framed, Thermal)
Window in Kitchen (Opening, Framed, Thermal)
High Lift Axle
Double Step Entry Step
Cabinet Door at End of Bench
Exterior Propane Quick Connect with 12' Propane Hose and Adapter
Storage Box
Springfield Marine Pedestal for Dinette Table Slider Installed
One additional 12 volt outlet on bed side of kitchen / bed wall
Two additional Exterior LED lights front and rear
AMBER lens on all four exterior lights
Drawer under Wardrobe Closet
One Wardrobe shelf centered, I will add more adjustable shelves
Two 8 1/2" x 18" counter top extensions one on each of the bedroom walls
Full Wrap on Cushions and 3 additional yards of fabric
DO NOT INSTALL Solar and EMS remote displays leave in cabinet
DO NOT INSTALL handles on doors beneath fridge, bed, and dinette (may use doors as drawer fronts)
Stainless Steel Backsplash
Heat Pads Ready - run wires to beneath trailer and coil, do toggles etc inside trailer like normal
12V Drop - inside DS OH cabinet beside fridge wired to stereo 12V dedicated line
Two 8' pieces of Maple outside corner trim
One 4'x4' sheet of Maple paneling
Additional 13"x15" counter extension - DO NOT INSTALL to be used as drop leaf at 'pointy end' of dinette table
REINFORCE W1 and W5 - W1 (kitchen / bed) required for bedside counter extension, W5 (bathroom wall facing door), to allow grab rail in the bathroom in the future.
MODIFY KITCHEN CABINET under cooktop to accommodate Cx provided Convection Oven.
Two Filled Propane Tanks
X - Chocks


Dual 6 volt batteries adds 50 lbs.
Each reinforced wall adds 25 lbs.
The Dometic Penguin II adds 113 lbs.
The Solar Panel weighs 26.4 lbs.
I'm not sure about the rest of the option, I'm guessing probably about 300 lbs over the base dry weight.
TTMartin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2020, 07:37 PM   #16
Member
 
Bill R's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Belchertown, Massachusetts
Trailer: 2018 Escape 19
Posts: 91
weights

For towing, consider both overall weight and tongue weight.

The options on our 2014 19' that added weight were modest: ac (+140 pounds), front box, 1 solar (+25 pounds), 1 group 29 battery. Total weight was 3180 pounds with 420 pounds on the tongue.

Our 2018 19' has ac, front box, dual 6-volt batteries (+65 pounds more than single), framed thermal windows (+100? pounds), spray-on underbody insulation (+100? pounds), and 2 solar (+50 pounds). Total weight is 3620 pounds with 520 pounds on the tongue.

Most other options don't weigh enough to factor into towing except perhaps the oven (+50 pounds).

Bill R
Bill R is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off




» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Escape Trailer Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:11 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright 2023 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved.